Page 41 of Duke of Silver
Her heart leapt unexpectedly at the gesture.What could he possibly want to show me?she wondered, curiosity mingling with a strange sense of anticipation. As they walked together toward his study, she marveled at the easy, light-hearted atmosphere between them. It felt… different.
Once inside, he led her toward the desk where a neatly wrapped package sat. With a flourish, he gestured toward it. “From Broughton. His appreciation for your impeccable hosting at dinner.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened in delight as she reached for the package, her fingers trembling slightly with excitement. “For me?” she asked, barely able to contain her happiness.
Alexander smirked, watching her with amusement. “You look like a child receiving sweets for the first time,” he teased, folding his arms across his chest.
Elizabeth shot him a glance but didn’t rise to the bait. Nothing could ruin her mood right now—not even his teasing. Between her victory over Georgianna and now this unexpected gift, her day felt near perfect.
She quickly unwrapped the parcel, revealing exquisite Spanish lace and silk. “Oh, it’s beautiful!” she exclaimed, holding up the fabric with wide eyes. “Broughton is too generous. You must thank him for me.”
Alexander chuckled. “I think you’ve already done enough to ensure his endless generosity. But yes, I shall pass along your gratitude.”
Still marveling at the gift, Elizabeth found herself comparing this version of Alexander to the one she had come to know over the past few weeks. This man, full of light teasing and easy conversation, felt so far removed from the cold, distant figure he became whenever the topic of their marriage or his past surfaced. It was as though he had two sides, and she never knew which she would encounter on any given day.
“We should invite Broughton more often,” she mused aloud, her voice light with contentment.
Alexander shook his head, though there was a smile in his eyes. “That menace? We’d have no peace if we indulged him too often. The house would be in chaos before the week was out.”
Elizabeth laughed, unable to contain the joy bubbling inside her. “Perhaps a little chaos wouldn’t be so terrible.”
“Careful what you wish for,” he replied, his tone teasing but his gaze lingering on her a moment longer than usual.
He’s like a man with two entirely different versions living inside him.One moment, Alexander was teasing and playful, like this, making her feel as though they could truly enjoy each other’s company. The next, he could be cold and distant, as though he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. It was almost like being married to two different men. The thought amused her, and she had to hold back a small chuckle.
Elizabeth had to wonder, however, if she would ever know who Alexander truly was. If he would ever allow her to get close.
CHAPTER 18
The ballroom was alight with the glow of chandeliers, the soft hum of conversation blending with the strains of the orchestra. As Elizabeth and Alexander stepped through the grand doors of Compton Manor, the air seemed to shift, and all eyes turned toward them.
Elizabeth’s heart fluttered. She could feel the weight of the stares, the whispers that followed their entrance. Her fingers tightened slightly around Alexander’s arm as they walked deeper into the room.Is it the scandal?she wondered, her nerves spiking. But as they moved through the crowd, nodding politely at familiar and unfamiliar faces alike, she began to realize something else.
The people here weren’t like those in London. The atmosphere lacked the sharp edge of falseness and gossip that so often pervaded the grand rooms of the ton. These were people who had chosen the country, not for lack of fortune or standing, but for the genuine pleasures of simpler life—free from the relentless frivolities of society.
Her grip on Alexander’s arm eased, and she allowed herself to breathe more freely.Perhaps this wouldn’t be so dreadful after all.
Alexander was calm beside her, his usual composed self. He introduced her to several influential country families: a retired military general with a stately air, a baronet and his charming wife, and an earl who, despite his title, seemed far more relaxed than any peer Elizabeth had met during the Season. She smiled politely, engaging in light conversation, but a part of her remained aware of the attention still lingering on them.
And just when Elizabeth thought they couldn’t possibly receive any more focus, Lady Compton’s voice rang out, clear and commanding above the chatter.
“My lords and ladies, if I may have your attention!” The Viscountess stood in the center of the room, beaming as she gestured toward Elizabeth and Alexander. “I have the great pleasure of announcing that the Duke and Duchess of Sterlin will be opening the dance floor this evening!”
A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd, and Elizabeth’s cheeks flushed. She turned to Alexander, her heart racing, flustered by the sudden spotlight. She wasn’t sure if it was nerves or excitement that flooded her chest, but her thoughts jumbled together as she realized all eyes were truly on them now.
Alexander looked down at her with an amused glint in his eye, offering his hand. “Shall we, Duchess?”
Elizabeth blinked, feeling the world spin slightly. “Must we?” she asked in a soft, breathless voice, though there was a hint of laughter in her words.
His grin widened, and without another word, he led her to the center of the ballroom. The orchestra struck up a waltz, and Elizabeth found herself in Alexander’s arms, moving across the floor with surprising grace. She had danced with him before, but tonight… tonight felt different.
He was a good dancer—no,a very good dancer. His movements were confident, each step fluid as though the dance were second nature to him. She looked up at him in surprise.
“You’ve been hiding this talent,” she said, a teasing smile pulling at her lips.
Alexander raised a brow, a glint of pride in his gaze. “I am a man of many talents, Elizabeth. Ones you’ll come to discover in time.”
“Is that a promise, Your Grace?” she asked slyly, unable to resist the playful challenge in her voice.
